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Multiscale modeling of the mammalian circadian clock

Mathematical Biology

Speaker: Daniel DeWoskin, UC Davis
Location: 2112 MSB
Start time: Mon, Feb 29 2016, 3:10PM

The mammalian circadian (daily) clock is controlled by the ~20,000 neurons of the suprachiasmatic nuclei (SCN). These neurons keep time and signal on two very disparate timescales. While the molecular mechanisms for generating rhythms are well characterized, it is still unknown how they are integrated across timescales and between neurons in the network. To study this, we develop a highly detailed, multicellular, and multi-scale model of the SCN. The model is used to investigate, and make predictions about, how intra and intercellular signaling on a fast timescale affects the hourly timekeeping in the network. We then attempt to reduce the model to discover the essential components that synchronize network level rhythms.